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Sennheiser has a thing for trotting out titillating new wares at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and this year is proving to be no different in that regard. The audio specialist has just introduced one of the most fully-featured headsets we've seen in quite awhile, with the CXC 700 boasting not one, not two, but three levels of noise cancellation. The newfangled NoiseGard /digital technology gives owners a trifecta of noise-cancelling profiles, with each one optimized for something different. In fact, we'll let Senn do the explaining here:

"Mode 1 absorbs low-frequency noise in particular (100 to 400 Hertz), such as engine noise from trains, buses or small passenger planes. Mode 2 focuses on cancelling noise in the medium frequency range (400 to 3,000 Hertz), which is caused above all by air-conditioning systems in large passenger aircraft or office buildings. Mode 3 has a particularly wide frequency range (100 to 3,000 Hertz), and combines the noise-cancelling effect in the medium and low-frequency ranges. As a result, background noise with different noise components, such as that which occurs at airports, railway stations or underground stations, can be effectively suppressed, although with a slightly lower noise-cancelling performance than in the first two modes."

In case that's not enough to convince ya, these offer a frequency response of 20Hz to 21,000Hz, and they'll function just fine (albeit sans noise cancellation) even if your AAA battery keels over. Controls are embedded in the cabling, and users are able to activate the TalkThrough function if they'd prefer to conduct a conversation with someone without actually removing their earphones. Furthermore, changing between the NoiseGard profiles and activation of the TalkThrough function are indicated by both an acoustic and a visual signal. The company will be shipping these with a 4.5-foot long cable, an in-flight adapter, 6.35mm jack plug adapter, a small carrying case and a diaphragm protector, with sales to start later this month for around $320.

LAS VEGAS - January 6, 2011: With the CXC 700, audio specialist Sennheiser is expanding its successful Travel Line with the addition of a set of ear-canal phones with active noise cancellation. As a completely new feature, the innovative NoiseGard™ /digital system offers travelers a choice of three noise-cancelling profiles – optimized for the wide range of surrounding noise encountered while traveling. This pioneering digital technology enables frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts to 'switch off' even better and enjoy Sennheiser's proven top-quality sound.

Rail noise, roaring engines, screaming turbines and blaring loudspeaker announcements: travelers are always surrounded by irritating noise. Wherever you are, the new CXC 700 adapts to the environment at the push of a button.

One of three noise-cancelling profiles can be selected to adapt NoiseGard to the current surroundings. Mode 1 absorbs low-frequency noise in particular (100 to 400 Hertz), such as engine noise from trains, buses or small passenger planes. Mode 2 focuses on cancelling noise in the medium frequency range (400 to 3,000 Hertz), which is caused above all by air-conditioning systems in large passenger aircraft or office buildings. Mode 3 has a particularly wide frequency range (100 to 3,000 Hertz), and combines the noise-cancelling effect in the medium and low-frequency ranges. As a result, background noise with different noise components, such as that which occurs at airports, railway stations or underground stations, can be effectively suppressed, although with a slightly lower noise-cancelling performance than in the first two modes.

"NoiseGard /digital is the consistent further development of Sennheiser's analog NoiseGard technology," explained Daniel Chee, Product Manager for the Sennheiser Travel Line. "The possibility to select one of three different modes that are optimized for different environments considerably improves the noise-cancelling effect. Precise filters generate a result that is up to five times better than that of the analog system."

Perfect sound wherever you goTo ensure that you can enjoy top-quality sound while travelling – even when the NoiseGard function is deactivated – Sennheiser's proven acoustics guarantees a balanced, detailed sound image with a frequency response of 20 to 21,000 Hertz. Whether with or without NoiseGard, the CXC 700 promises the same perfect sound quality at all times. This means that you can still listen to music or enjoy a film even if the battery is flat. The earphones are perfectly matched to portable audio and video players and are also optimized for connection to in-flight entertainment systems.

First-class comfortDue to its compact size and ergonomic design, the CXC 700 not only fits into even the lightest luggage, it is also comfortable to wear when sleeping. Travellers can either drift off into another world while listening to relaxing music or enjoy perfect peace and quiet with the NoiseGard function activated.

The CXC 700 is operated using a control unit integrated into the cable. The control unit is used not only to select the three NoiseGard profiles and to regulate the volume but also to activate the Sennheiser TalkThrough function. This allows users to conduct a conversation with the person sitting next to them or with the cabin staff without the need to remove their earphones. A particularly useful feature: changing between the NoiseGard profiles and activation of the TalkThrough function are indicated by both an acoustic and a visual signal.

The high-end ear-canal phones are, of course, also equipped with all extras for relaxed and trouble-free travelling. The CXC 700 comes with a set of ear adapters in three different sizes to guarantee perfect fit and optimum passive noise attenuation. An in-flight adapter and a 6.35 mm jack plug adapter are also included to enable the earphones to be connected not only to portable players but also to in-flight entertainment systems. The 4.5-foot-long (1.4 meter) cable offers sufficient freedom of movement in all situations. In addition to a small carrying case, the set also includes a diaphragm protector, a cleaning tool and an AAA battery.

The CXC 700 will be delivered to Sennheiser sales partners in January.